Acupuncture/Dry Needling

Acupuncture is a traditional technique, originating from Chinese medicine. It involves the act of inserting thin needles into specific areas, or points, on the body. This is done for therapeutic or preventative purposes, stimulating the nervous system to produce endorphins that can relieve pain and stress.

Dry needling is similar to acupuncture, but has its differences. It originated in Western medicine in the late 20th century. Like acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into specific areas of the body, namely your trigger points, to stimulate your muscles for decreased tightness and increased blood flow.

Both acupuncture and dry needling use very thin, fine needles that are inserted into the skin. While acupuncture targets acupoints, dry needling focuses on trigger points. Both do not inject any type of medicine through the needle.

Dry needling takes a myofascial approach, directly highlighting the muscles and connective tissues to relieve pain and discomfort. In the meantime, acupuncture is focused on stimulating the body’s natural healing ability, which in turn offers pain relief.

While some patients one or the other, you also have the option of leveraging both treatments to enhance your recovery and rehabilitation.